Global Temperatures Soar Beyond Critical Limit, Europe’s Climate Monitor Warns
The last two years have exceeded the critical 1.5 Celsius warming limit, marking the first time in human history that global temperatures have reached this milestone, according to Europe’s climate monitor, Copernicus. While this does not mean that the 1.5C threshold has been permanently breached, it is a warning sign that the planet is rapidly approaching a critical point.
2024 was the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, and marks a streak of extreme heat that has fueled climate-related disasters on all continents. Despite predictions that 2025 will likely rank among the top three warmest years in history, scientists warn that the current pace of warming is “beyond what modern humans have ever experienced.”
The increased temperatures are having devastating effects on the environment and human societies. The past year saw extreme weather events, including deadly wildfires, catastrophic floods, and heatwaves, with estimates suggesting that the damage has exceeded $300 billion. Los Angeles is currently experiencing its most devastating wildfires to date, with thousands of buildings destroyed and tens of thousands forced to flee.
The 1.5C threshold is a critical benchmark, as scientists say that any further warming above this level will lead to catastrophic climate change. The world is nowhere near meeting the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, which was agreed upon by nearly 200 nations in 2015.
As the climate crisis worsens, countries are struggling to make progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The UN has warned that the future is “in our hands,” and that swift and decisive action can still alter the trajectory of the planet’s climate. However, scientists say that the window for action is rapidly closing, and that the world is now teetering on the edge of passing the 1.5C level.
